Govt stands firm on nursing home closure

The Federal Government has defended its handling of a Melbourne nursing home that has failed to meet required standards of care.

Belvedere Park, at Sydenham, has been stripped of its accreditation after an audit found it failed to meet almost all accreditation standards needed for federal funding.

The Federal Government ordered its closure but the Health Services Union has accused the Government of dragging its feet, after sanctions were placed on the operators of the home seven years ago.

But the Minister for Ageing, Christopher Pyne, says the matter is being appropriately dealt with.

He says the Government does prefer to help nursing homes to lift their standards.

"Unfortunately in this case we aren't going to be able to get that to happen and I think it shows that the Government is not scared to take the firm action necessary when residents are at serious risk," he said.

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal is hearing a challenge to the decision.

But Mr Pyne says the residents are at serious risk and the facility must close.